Get High: The Most Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sonoma & Napa Valley

Now that the weather’s finally warming up and the sun is out and shining, it’s time to get back outside and try something new. If you’ve always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, now’s your chance to cross this once-in-a-lifetime activity off your bucket list. There’s nothing like rising up in the sky while taking in the gorgeous scenery below. Just think of the photo ops! Bring your boo and make it a romantic adventure, or surprise your mom and dad with an unforgettable Mother or Father’s Day present. Whatever the reason, these Sonoma and Napa hot air balloon rides are not to be missed. Here are the best of the best hot air balloon companies in NorCal’s wine country.

This hot air balloon company offers scenic rides throughout Sonoma County. Enjoy a 1-hour float through the skies as your knowledgeable pilot points out landmarks below, such as local vineyards, the Russian River, San Francisco, and on a clear day, even the Pacific Ocean! Flights take off at sunrise, so be prepared to wake up bright and early. This Sonoma hot air balloon ride will cost you $239 per person for a group flight; if it’s a special occasion, you can book a private flight for $2,200. Both packages include a post-flight breakfast and unobstructed views of Sonoma and beyond, courtesy of Up & Away’s state-of-the-art baskets. The experience may not be cheap, but this is one flight you’ll never forget.

Calistoga Balloons is Napa’s version of Up & Away. Packages include a $239 flight with groups of 6, 12, and 16 passengers or an intimate private flight for two people which will cost you $2,200. Obviously, I suggest going with the group option, as the baskets are big enough to fit everyone comfortably, and you’ll be way more concerned with what’s going on down below than who’s in the basket. Calistoga’s 1-hour tour will take you over the area’s unique geological features such as the Palisade Cliffs and Mount St Helena, the highest peak in Napa County. You may catch a glimpse of the Old Faithful Geyser, one of only 3 in the world.

One of the original hot air balloon companies in Napa Valley, Napa Valley Aloft offers cheaper flights with smaller group sizes. Semi-private flights start at $220 per person, and you won’t find more than 14 passengers in a balloon. Private flights for groups of 2 or 4 start at just $1,500 and all flights come with a Champagne post-flight breakfast. Highly rated on both Yelp and TripAdvisor, Napa Valley Aloft is a favorite for travelers from the Bay Area and beyond. They also conveniently offer three take off locations, from Yountville, Pope Valley, or Paradisa — it’s up to you!

Fun fact: There’s no fear of height and no physical sensation of movement or perception of wind on hot air balloon rides.

Balloons Above the Valley offers some of the cheapest flights on this list, and they are currently making you an even better deal in honor of Mother’s Day. For just $199 (per person), you can take a ride through the Napa Valley skies. This special offer must be purchased by May 15th and would be an incredible present for mom. This is the best deal you’ll find for hot air ballooning in Napa Valley, so don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity! Normally, flights with Balloons Above the Valley cost $209 (per person, with brunch) or $219 (per person, with Champagne brunch), which is still an excellent deal. For $315 (per person), you’ll get a hot air balloon ride and a tour of 4-6 premium wineries. These deals are a total steal, so if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further.

Napa Valley Balloons is another one of the biggest hot air ballooning companies in the region and has a near-perfect rating on Yelp. Their early morning flights have the added incentive of pre-flight coffee, pastries, and tea. Like Calistoga and Up & Away, you’ll pay $239 per guest, or $2,200 for a private flight for two, so be prepared to cough up your rent money for this month (and next). Pay $15 and get a commemorative in-flight photo to show off to all your friends when you land. After your adventure in the sky, come back down to a post-flight boozy brunch, complete with mimosas, at Domaine Chandon Winery in Yountville.

The oldest hot air balloon company in the region, Wine Country Balloon offers unique services at incredible prices. If your flight is a special occasion, make it even more memorable with a custom basket banner or a special occasion cake. Has it always been your dream to get married mid-flight? Have your wedding officiated during your hot air balloon ride above the Napa Valley by a certified pilot-minister (no joke). Enjoy flight locations from Alexander Valley down to Sonoma, and see all the sights in between. Flights will cost you $225 per person and will take you high above the redwoods, Russian River, Majestic Mountains, the Pacific Coast, S.F. Skyline, and gorgeous vineyards. Do not leave your camera phones at home, folks.

Looking for an adventure this weekend?
Sign up for The Weekender and once a week (no more, no less) we'll send you an email chock full of tips and tidbits to kick-start your planning process. We just need your email.